AP Psychology — Practice Exam 3
Format: Section I — 18 multiple-choice questions · Section II — 1 application FRQ Suggested time: 30 min (MCQ) + 20 min (FRQ). (Answers spread A–D.)
Section I — Multiple Choice
1. The neuron's branching structures that receive signals are: A) dendrites B) axons C) synapses D) myelin
2. Low levels of serotonin are most associated with: A) depression B) better vision C) faster reflexes D) hunger
3. The cerebellum is mainly responsible for: A) language B) coordination and balance C) vision D) hearing
4. In classical conditioning, a previously neutral stimulus that now triggers a response is the: A) unconditioned stimulus B) unconditioned response C) conditioned stimulus D) reinforcer
5. Negative reinforcement increases behavior by: A) removing an aversive stimulus B) adding a punishment C) adding a reward D) ignoring it
6. Object permanence develops in Piaget's: A) preoperational stage B) sensorimotor stage C) concrete operational stage D) formal operational stage
7. A mental shortcut for quick judgments is a: A) algorithm B) schema C) heuristic D) prototype
8. Short-term memory capacity is about: A) 3 items B) 20 items C) unlimited D) 7±2 items
9. The fundamental attribution error overemphasizes ____ when judging others. A) disposition/personality B) the situation C) luck D) genetics
10. Asch's experiments studied: A) obedience B) conformity C) memory D) attachment
11. Cognitive behavioral therapy primarily works by: A) interpreting dreams B) using medication C) challenging distorted thoughts D) offering positive regard only
12. The sympathetic nervous system activates the: A) rest-and-digest response B) fight-or-flight response C) memory system D) visual cortex
13. Maslow's hierarchy of needs culminates in: A) safety B) esteem C) self-actualization D) belonging
14. Bandura's Bobo doll study demonstrated: A) classical conditioning B) object permanence C) conservation D) observational learning
15. The DSM-5 is used to: A) measure IQ B) classify psychological disorders C) conduct experiments D) train neurons
16. Which is NOT one of the Big Five traits? A) openness B) conscientiousness C) intelligence D) neuroticism
17. Hallucinations and delusions are ____ symptoms of schizophrenia. A) positive B) negative C) cognitive D) mild
18. The hippocampus is essential for forming new: A) reflexes B) hormones C) memories D) muscles
Section II — Application FRQ (4 points)
A student, Leo, is preparing for finals. For EACH concept, explain how it applies to Leo (1 pt each): (a) The spacing effect — recommend a study schedule change. (b) Sympathetic nervous system — explain his test-day physical symptoms. (c) Operant conditioning (positive reinforcement) — describe how he could build a study habit. (d) Retrieval practice — explain why self-testing beats rereading.
Answer key (Section I)
| Q | Ans | Q | Ans | Q | Ans |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | A | 7 | C | 13 | C |
| 2 | A | 8 | D | 14 | D |
| 3 | B | 9 | A | 15 | B |
| 4 | C | 10 | B | 16 | C |
| 5 | A | 11 | C | 17 | A |
| 6 | B | 12 | B | 18 | C |
Key distribution: A×5, B×5, C×6, D×2.
Reasoning (Section I)
1. (A) Dendrites receive signals. 2. (A) Low serotonin → depression. 3. (B) Cerebellum = balance/coordination. 4. (C) The conditioned stimulus is the formerly neutral one. 5. (A) Negative reinforcement removes an aversive stimulus. 6. (B) Object permanence = sensorimotor. 7. (C) A heuristic is a shortcut. 8. (D) STM ≈ 7±2. 9. (A) FAE over-credits disposition. 10. (B) Asch studied conformity. 11. (C) CBT challenges distorted thoughts. 12. (B) Sympathetic → fight-or-flight. 13. (C) Self-actualization tops Maslow. 14. (D) Bobo doll → observational learning. 15. (B) DSM-5 classifies disorders. 16. (C) Intelligence is not a Big Five trait. 17. (A) Hallucinations/delusions are positive symptoms. 18. (C) Hippocampus forms new memories.
FRQ rubric (4 pts)
- (a) (1) Spread study over days (distributed practice) rather than cramming; improves long-term retention.
- (b) (1) Sympathetic arousal → racing heart, sweating, rapid breathing on test day.
- (c) (1) Reward himself after each study session (positive reinforcement) to strengthen the habit.
- (d) (1) Self-testing forces retrieval, strengthening memory traces more than passive rereading.
Pedagogy: application FRQs require linking the named term to Leo's specific situation — not just defining it.